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The residents of Barton County will cast their ballots for a host of city, school and other officials come the general election Tuesday, April 2. The candidates had to register by Tuesday and there was no need for a primary.

The state of Kansas has been ranked first in its region for economic development projects in Site Selection magazine's 2012 rankings. Site Selection, which has compiled annual economic development rankings since 1978, listed Kansas 13th among all states for expansions and new facilities opened in 2012.

Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes reported to the City Council Monday night that the first-ever Miss Barton County and Miss Golden Belt Pageant held March 9 at Great Bend High School was a crowning achievement.

The Great Bend fire department was called to a structure fire around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday morning at 821 Morphy Street. A white Chevrolet SUV was on fire, which caught the detached garage behind the house on fire. Firefighters sprayed fire-retardant foam on the fire for several minutes until a front-end loader arrived, and the vehicle was pulled from the building by a chain. Once in the open, firefighters were able to open doors to the vehicle and finish putting the fire out.

The number of programs offered by the Great Bend Recreation Commission has remained steady or slightly ahead of last year, Director Diann Henderson reports. But with no American Red Cross office in town, the commission hasn't been able to offer a spring course for baby-sitter training.

For people who live in Great Bend, this is home. But for people who visit the area, Great Bend is known for its proximity to the natural beauty of the Scenic Byway, the Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira Natural Refuge. Now, thanks to the efforts of the Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Central Kansas Photography Club, businesses in Great Bend can access a free resource to help visitors spread that message to the rest of the world.

The Army National Guard units based at the Great Bend Expo Complex wants to strut their stuff. To this end, guard members stationed there are planning the units' first-ever open house, said SFC Kevin Hammeke, Great Bend-based Guard recruiter.

A whirlwind of attention and activity has caught up members of the boys and girls GBHS bowling teams since winning and placing at the 5A State Championship Feb. 28. In the past week and a half, they've been honored at the GBHS Winter Sports Banquet on March 4, been interviewed by local and state media and contacted by college recruiters. On Monday morning, they were honored by Barton County Commissioners, and in the evening, formally congratulated by the USD 428 Board of Education. The team trophy, as well as the individual trophies have been displayed in several venues, and ...

In addition to congratulating the Great Bend High School Boys Bowling team for winning the State Championship this season, the Board of Education voted on which calendar the district would adopt for the 2013-2014 school year at Monday night's BOE meeting.

Girls in Sox league softball games may be allowed to steal bases this summer. Rule changes were discussed Monday at the Great Bend Recreation Commission Board meeting, but won't be adopted until the April meeting.